Resident doctor Olutoke Abraham of the Federal Medical Center Abeokuta has condemned the belief that minimal sexual activity contributes to prostate cancer.

Abraham explained that African men aged 50 and above tend to get this cancer, adding that smoking and obesity, among others, are also linked to an increased likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

He spoke during the medical outreach organized by the Rotary Club for traders at Tarmac Telephone Village in Abeokuta.

Studies show that prostate cancer has become the number one cancer in Nigerian men, accounting for 11% of all male cancers, hence the need for regular check-ups for early detection.

He said: “There is a general myth that decreased sexual activity or increased sexual activity contributes to prostate cancer occurring in an individual.

“This is not true, neither of them causes prostate cancer in the individual.

“Rather, age, smoking and obesity were associated with an increased likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

“We have quite a number of men living with this cancer; The risk factor says men over 50 are of African descent and that is what we have here in Nigeria.”

The community medicine resident encouraged middle-aged men to develop the habit of visiting the hospital regularly for check-ups, saying men show less interest in hospitals compared to women.

“Research shows that women have better health-seeking behavior than men.

“For many reasons, men forget to take care of themselves instead of taking care of other people and try to earn money to take care of their families and loved ones.

“Yes, men are less likely to be admitted to hospitals than women, so men have to fend for themselves,” he added.

He recommended that middle-aged men have their blood pressure, blood sugar and prostate-specific antigen examined to determine whether their prostate is still in a minimal or malignant form and to determine how much it has grown.

Abraham argued that if it is detected in time, it can be prevented from spreading to the bones, spine and other organs with surgery.

Male Prostate Cancer diagram illustration